For many parents choosing the right bat for a youth player is a challenge. The proper fit makes a big difference. Omega Sport’s Mega Experts are here to help you make the best choice for your child.
Length
Check with your league to find out about any bat regulations. Once you have that information, consider your child’s weight and height. Bat swings are unique to each individual. For youngsters ranging from age four to six, you will want a T-Ball bat. This bat is the shortest and lightest of league bats.
Swing mechanics are affected by the length of the bat. Buying a standard T-Ball bat on your way home from work doesn’t cut it. Take your young player with you to the nearest Omega Sports store. With over 40 years in the sports equipment business, we’ve got you covered.
Our Active Experts are there to help you properly choose the correct bat for your player. Start by measuring the player’s height while they’re in cleats. According to experts, a correctly sized bat when standing on end will not exceed the height of the player’s hip.
Shop in stores when possible to ensure that your player can try swinging the bat of their choice. Take into account the league regulations coupled with your players measurements. You want to avoid a bat that is too long to swing effectively.
Material
Wood, metal, and carbon fiber composite bats are the most popular materials for league worthy baseball and softball bats. Metal bats don’t require a break-in period. This is one of the advantages they have over wooden and composite bats. Aluminum alloy bats are ready to go right when you buy them.
Wooden bats are generally made from ash, maple or birch woods. These woods are all considered hardwoods. Wooden bats need to be broken-in evenly to improve the bat’s hitting ability and durability. Take care to wear-in your wooden bat correctly and you can expect more longevity. Out of the three hardwoods, ash will splinter more. The splintering and durability issues occur because ash continues to dry throughout the life of the bat.Β Experts agree that at the major league level of play, a maple wood bat is the best choice for players who prefer wood to other materials.
Aluminum bats are cheaper than bats of other materials. They are recommended for cold weather play as they are not as susceptible to breakage due to extreme temperatures. Wooden bats are also a good bet when playing in weather below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Composite bats have a tendency to crack in cold temperatures.
Bats made of composite fibers need to be broken in because of their tendency to develop spring. For little leaguers, composite bats’ absorption ability is a plus. Composite bats dampen the sting a batter feels as the bat connects with the ball. The hazards posed by composite and aluminum bats really only become an issue once play is at elite levels.
Weight
Wooden bats are the heaviest of the lot. Composites are the lightest. Aluminum alloy bats are generally the cheapest on the market. Players want to get the heaviest bat that they can swing at a good speed. Heavier bats have more momentum when they connect with the ball. This causes the ball to travel further, allowing the player more time to get around the bases.
Consider your player’s strength and swing speed with bats of different materials. At elite levels wooden bats have become the norm. The tendency of composite and aluminum alloy bats to exhibit a flexible spring effect led to them being banned in the major leagues.Β This “trampoline effect” creates dangerous hazards to the batter and other players. Wooden bats transfer energy without this phenomenon. When pitches are coming in at speeds that the pros are capable of throwing, wooden bats are safer. Let Omega Sports Mega Experts help you choose the right bat for your player. Shop in-store or online for all your sports apparel and equipment needs.
